Paria Gear FAQ: The differences between our Bryce and Zion tents?

We often get customer emails asking “What are the differences between your Bryce and Zion tents?” In this article, we'll go over the main differences between these two different styles of tents, advantages of each, and provide a convenient specs chart to help you make a more informed purchase.

Entry Layout: Single Door vs. Two Doors

The main difference between the Bryce and Zion tents is their entry layouts. Bryce tents come with a single, front-entry design. Zion tents are all equipped with double, side-entry doors, meaning you can enter from either side of the tent. Each of these entry-types has its own unique advantages. 

Our Bryce 1P and 2P tents offer a single, large front entry, which is ideal for a single person, sometimes two.

With single, front-entry tents, like the Bryce, you don't have to worry about crawling over your tentmate as you would with a single, side-entry layout. This design comes in especially handy if either you or your hiking partner needs to step outside in the middle of the night or you turn in or wake earlier or later than the other. 

Front-entry tents also tend to take up less area, thus being able to camp in tighter spots and giving you more options for campsites. Sometimes, the front entry allows for camping in a spot that would not fit a side-entry tent.

Some backpackers report that front-entry tents are better at keeping rain out than side-entry ones as well. However, this comes down to the overall design of the tent.

Side-entry doors also have their advantages and are preferred over front-entries by many backpackers. As with the Zion 2P or 3P tent, two doors equates to two vestibules, leaving you and your hiking partner ample space to store your gear. You will also have no worries of clambering over each other to get in and out of the tent.

The Zion family of tents offer two side doors, making it easy to enter the tent from either side.

Dual doors also provide several other benefits. Many backpackers report that side-entry tents are much easier to get in and out of than front-entry ones, especially if you are on the taller side. If you are camping in snowy regions, having a double-entry can greatly benefit if you become snowed in on one side during the night. On the flip side, during warm weather, side-entry tents can be opened up on two sides, making it easier to get a cross-breeze and improved ventilation.

Other Notable Differences

As mentioned above, the Zion tents have two vestibules whereas the Bryce tents have a single vestibule. The Zion tents also have a short crossbar along the top of the tent, providing a bit more headroom than the Bryce version.

Size and weight are also major considerations. Being a bit larger and having the added crossbar, the Zion tents are slightly heavier than the same capacity Bryce tents. With that being said, if you are planning on camping solo but still want some extra room, the Bryce 2P might be a good compromise.

The ventilation systems also differ between the two styles. The Zion provides two-way rain fly zippers, allowing campers to open them some at the top for ventilation. This may not be possible during rain, but you can also open them a bit from the bottom instead. The Bryce tents are not quite as flexible in this respect, so the Zion tents may be a better option if you are concerned about condensation.

Finally, some backpackers prefer the more open feel of the Zion two-door design. You can open both doors completely and have a very airy, open tent with the ability to see views in both directions. For some, this improved level of freedom and connection with the outdoors is the deciding factor.

For some, the openness of the Zion two-door design and the ability to better connect with the outdoors is the deciding factor.

Comparison Chart

If you're still on the fence, here are the side-by-side specs of the Bryce and Zion tents for your consideration. Only the Zion is offered in a 3P version, so if you're looking for a larger family tent, that will be your only option.